Accent on Personal, Part Two

Wednesday, December 05, 2007  by Susan Julien-Willson
Category: selling, Ribbon, retailing, Artistry, Personal Accents, group selling, party plan, gift, event

I sincerely hope you caught my post on my Personal Accents party in November. (You can find it on OZ if you click on Sales Speak and scroll down a few posts.) It focused on selling in a group setting ... and I asked to hear from IBOs who host events, gatherings, presentations to groups, and parties as a way of selling. I didn't hear much. In fact, it's been pretty quiet when it comes to feedback at Sales Speak. I like to believe it's because you're out there selling and sponsoring ... and, enjoying the holiday season. Some of you may be at Achievers--Congrats! Some of you may be reading the blogs and comments but just not commenting. Keep reading, but keep in mind if you have a few minutes, we love to hear from you. Short and sweet is fine. It's all about human connection in this business and we (corporate) enjoy connecting with you (busy, active IBOs).

This came in via email from Maureen H. recently. It's in response to my Personal Accents post where I list some of the things beyond the jewelry that I displayed at the party ... like Anticipate, the new Personal Accents signature fragrance, the Ribbon Gift Collections, and the Artistry essentials Makeup Kit.  Thank you, Maureen for taking the time to share your experiences and your ideas. I encourage all of you to do the same!

Currently, the Global Web Task Force is reviewing the current Personal Websites for IBOs. When I share comments received via Sales Speak from CJ and Maureen and others, IT managers report that they've received lots of great ideas from IBOs and corporate staff and will take all of them into account as they plan for the future. If you have ideas on personal websites, be sure to comment at OZ. We'll pass your comments on.

More on selling in a group setting from Maureen:

Thanks for all of this information! This is great. I never knew we had a signature scent... wow! I'll have to try it. And I love the idea of incorporating Ribbon with your display. We do actively sell in group and one on one settings. We keep it broad and include Nutrilite, Jewelry, Artistry, and Ribbon.

Let's start with Personal Accents. Obviously the jewelry is the easiest to sell, you simply lay the pieces out in an attractive presentation and let people look. However, there are so many jewelry companies out there that at times people look at it as "oh another jewelry line". We do have unique pieces and the fact that the line changes every 6 months keeps us fresh, up to date, and hot. We also offer big, huge, name brand fragrances which intrigues people that we are partnered with such companies. And I must say that our prices are incredibly competitive and actually the best prices I've seen. Some of these other companies, the prices are outrageous! These things set us apart from the others, which is great. I wish, however, we had some sort of structured hostess program. For example, buy 2 get one at 1/2 price or something like that. I know we could make up our own program, but it would be so easy for everyone (especially the new IBO) to just be told what to offer. Then in turn offer the IBO the same incentive but obviously at IBO cost. So that we would be incentivize to buy more pieces, and offer the same great offers to our customers. We need to be competitive, unique and interesting in such a big direct selling jewelry market. Also, when (if ever) are we going to get a Personal Accents site? Now that the Quixtar site is a million times better, much more attractive and user friendly, I am not so shy about sending people to that site with the proper link right to the jewelry. However, if someone wants to pursue Personal Accents as their PV pathway, why not equip them with everything to make them successful. I love that they now have their own order forms, and the logo merchandise is awesome and getting better and better. I love checking daily to see what new fun things have popped up.

As far as Ribbon, my husband and I actually do presentations together. In October, we went to a Realtors office and presented Ribbon to the staff. Some were intrigued and some weren't which is normal. We didn't get any orders from that meeting, however, we were invited back to do another presentation in November. From those presentations we received an order of 70 "Variety" albums ($1400) from one realtor for her Christmas gifts to her clients. Then another realtor ordered 12 of the "Unique" albums ($600) for her family for Christmas and is looking into getting more for her clients. (Funny thing about her is that she wasn't even at our presentation, she had heard about it from the other Realtors.) My husbands parents (who do not actively build this business, but are great buyers) did a presentation to my father in laws company and sold $2100 worth of a mixture of albums for service awards/Christmas gifts. The thing about Ribbon is either the people get it and see value in it right away or they just don't. Which again is fine. Also, with Ribbon it may take a while to get those orders especially for companies who are looking at bigger orders. You must stay persistent and continue to follow up. If we didn't follow up with that first meeting in October, we would have never gotten invited back in November, and in turn would have never received those orders. You must also give attractive offers... the buy 4 get the 5th free for the Variety album is great... but what about those that want the bigger albums? Has the Corporation considered doing any more of these kind of "buy ___ and get ___ free" for any of the other albums? That would be helpful... again any kind of structured offers to help us sell would be huge.

Then onto Artistry, my favorite! This brand is truly like no other and we NEED to let the world know it. The new Artistry Essentials line is brilliant I love it. I've done 2 Drop & Shops already and it doesn't even take 3 days for someone to purchase it. They love it and they want it. The new makeup kits are hot sellers too! One of my clients who hasn't bought from me in a while, saw the makeup kit displayed at an open house I did and she said, "this is absolutely everything I use everyday". It was almost as if she were stunned that someone had thought of pre packaging that. Plus, with the mineral foundation that is so hot right now, people are all over it. She told her husband to purchase it for her for Christmas, which he did. I've done several NoTox parties, which are the quickest & EASIEST skincare party I've ever done. Those are always successful. Again, I just wish there was a better hostess or specials program. I know with the NoTox you're supposed to give the microexfoliation cloth, but to me that just doesn't seem like enough. What if her party does sales in excess of $500-$1,000? It just seems like that cloth doesn't do it justice. Again, based on sales why not a structured hostess plan? $200 qualifies the show... the hostess receives 10% of the dollar amount to be used toward product, along with 1/2 priced items starting at another amount. Just a thought. Anyway, with the new Artistry kit... it makes it all a no brainer, all of the new items in the "Retailing Support" area, the training on Quixtar U, and all the new logo merchandise that's coming out everyday... it makes it better and better. I love it! I have on advanced order the new Artistry Essentials hoodie and I've ordered the new Artistry Essentials logo mini mirror compacts (sku# 743137E7). Four compacts for $8.99, what a perfect gift to give a client as a "thanks for your order" or pre package it with a lip gloss in a cute baggie as a Christmas gift for your best clients or your family members. So many possibilities.

I just finished up doing 3 Holiday Open houses in 4 days... and a total of 5 in the month of November... it was great! These were events hosted by myself and other local business owners. Which works out well, because you're dealing with non-competitive businesses however, you're tapping into their market/client list. It was extremely exciting. Three of them, I had all 3 lines represented. One of the other open houses was just Ribbon & Artistry (already a jewelry person there), and the other was Jewelry & Ribbon. We had a separate table for each line. It's so wonderful to be able to be so diverse and flexible. We truly have something for everybody! I had one client at my open house purchased 3 pieces of jewelry, a box of Simply Nutrilite twist tubes, a Ribbon gift album, an Anti-blemish, and did a "Drop & Shop" with her for the Artistry Essentials skincare (which by the way, she called me the next morning saying she used it that night and that morning and her skin is already 100% better and asked what she needed to do to purchase it). Anyway, most of these items were on different tables so when it came time to pay and I told her she could just write a check to me, she was confused... she never realized I had this much to offer someone. So we sold a bunch of different items during these open houses and it was a great introduction to our very diverse line of products.

One of my IBO's made great gift pre-packaged holiday sets incorporating 2-3 different lines. For example, a Body Blends cream & a wash, with a single bottle of NAO glitter, and a set of the Personal Accents bangle bracelets in a cute decorative box. I don't remember her pricing but they went like hot cakes. She also had an NAO lip gloss, NAO glitter eye pencil, and a pair of earrings in a cute little holiday decorative bag. She even put 2 coffee mugs, with 2 of the small sample brick packs of the Kahve holiday blend, and 12 different flavored packets of the Zsenso teas in a cute holiday box... she sold a bunch of those too. I know for me, when I go shopping and I see a gift set or pre-packaged gift that is truly a one stop shop... don't need to get anything beyond that box or bag of things... that excites me. It's easy for me and attractive and fun for my recipient. What she put together was ingenious and it showed... they were the biggest hits of the events.

For those that couldn't make my Holiday Open House, I offered my holiday "specials" online for one week. And offered to send them a catalog if it were easier. I made a very nice, fun, festive themed email, that had links to the above mentioned lines, along with the link to the "holiday gift" section and the "clearance" section on Quixtar. Just because you're party doesn't fit into someones schedule doesn't mean they won't buy from you... you have to offer them alternatives. Some still won't buy anything, but some will... and those are the ones you are looking for.

Well, my parents just came back from Achievers in Hollywood and can't wait to hear & see all the goodies. My mom had called me after every new thing she came across... I LOVE where this business is headed. We are definitely at the right place at the right time!!

So thanks for "listening" to my thoughts, suggestions, and experiences. I look forward to hearing from others in what they're doing to move their business forward in regards to retailing. We all know this is the best business with the absolute best products available... let's get the word out and let the world know!

Maureen H., Wisconsin

 

Comments

# CJ said on December 5, 2007 2:21 PM:

Maureen that was awesome. Great tips and ideas!

I too have had similar experiences in regards to the Ribbon Program in a group setting and it goes exactly like Maureen mentioned. Either they get it or they don't. Other times, they get it and become a champion for you, but they still don't buy (weird, but it works to the IBOs advantage in the long run). Only other group setting sales I've done is when we use to have a video that went along with the Sa8 trial pack system. I would have the ladies sit down in front of the television, watch the video, and basically either sales would start there or they would try the trial pack and then sales would come-hate that its NLA.

As a guy, I've really been intrigued in marketing the Artistry using the Drop and Shop method cause I can give those to ladies at my job and not have to know all the ends and outs of the products and leave that to my wife to handle. At the same time, my main product focus is Ribbon and XS so the drop and shop wouldn't have me doing a whole bunch with it.

 CJ, Thanks for your input on selling in a group setting. Did you notice that I mentioned sharing your comments with IT on the Ribbon Personal Website? They are definitely gathering feedback from IBOs on how IBOs use Personal Websites, etc.  Keep sharing and take care. SJW

# Gene said on December 5, 2007 8:11 PM:

Susan, as an IBO, I have to say that readning posts on how you are accomplishing the group selling idea is interesting.  Our LOS is starting to look at that idea for some lines, However, I am not sure how comparable your expirences VS the run of the mill IBO are, as I read your post, none of us would ever have the chance to display the product like you did, unless we spent uber bucks on product for the showing.  Catalogs alone just dont do out product lines justice!

On a similar vein, WE NEED MORE SAMPLE SIZES!!!! of anything, everything.... well, the stuff that it makes sense to sample, of course!  we have some good starts, like Tolsom, nutrilite blister packs, but we need more things like the artistry, Tolsom, and double x product/product info cards....  and a place to find it all SIMPLY on the website.....

not sure which of those would go to the top of the list for santa to bring, but hey, I love suprises!

G-You make some valid points and I recognize I have some advantages as an IBO who is also a corporate employee ... and I mention that in my blogs when I speak of my retailing efforts. I know that we have to figure out better ways to help you sell products ... and one idea is more samples, as you said.  My experiences help start good discussion--in fact, your comments will hopefully prompt more IBO comments ... and your ideas will be passed on to our Marketing and Sales teams. (Plus, many of them read OZ blogs and comments regularly so they get a better understanding of what our IBOs want and need as sales tools and products.) I became an IBO to better understand what all of you experience daily, but I realize my being an IBO is not identical to your experience. So please do tell me about  your experience! It's the only way I can learn ... and all of us at Corp can learn. Thanks! sjw

# E.Rod. said on December 6, 2007 1:24 AM:

Thanks Maureen for sharing your experience with us. We have also done a similar in-home shopping event with our IBOs featuring Ribbon, Simply Nutrilite/XS, and the Jewelry. The jewelry this season sells like hotcakes, especially when available immediately for purchase. We just did an event this weekend and averaged over 200PV in retail sales.

I too wish there was some type of program available to IBOs that would allow us to purchase the kits at greater discount since displaying the jewelry is what really sells. Incentives for the hostess as Maureen suggested would be great too. Perhaps you can also have a guide like you now do with the Artistry sales kit for those that choose this product pathway.

As for the jewelry itself, the selection just keeps getting better and better. The price points too! The pictures on the website however don't do it justice. We used to have a zoom function in the last version of the site, but that function seems to have been done away with. The images are better in the catalog, but the physical product in the hands of the buyer really makes a difference in closing the sale.

A customized website would also be helpful. I've already requested on Code Review that Personal Accents have its own site or at the very least be added to the Beauty personal site. Alot of crosselling goes on between Artistry and the jewelry, but either can stand on its own. It's odd how you have all these marketing materials like customized order forms, pens, jewelry cases and business cards and yet this is an ecommerce biz with no Personal Accents personal website to send our clients directly to as we have with Artistry and Nutrilite.

Another question I have is why Personal Accents is not listed in our brand family, under "shop our brands". Makes it harder to find on the site when they have to shop by category and select jewelry and fragrances.  I

n any case, I love the jewelry. It would be great to expand the men's collection and also bring back the option to purchase samples of the perfumes for IBOs.

E-WOW! Lots of good ideas here. Thank you.  I'll definitely be sure to pass these on. Seems we need that Personal Accents personal website for IBOs ... or do you think the better idea  is to have a Beauty site with Personal Accents as part of it? sjw

# Shelly said on December 6, 2007 6:20 AM:

I'd love to read Maureen's input; unfortunately, your IT people saw fit to make it 2-point type - and even with bifocals, I can't manage that. Isn't there something they can do to make these blogs more readable? Am I the only one having trouble with this>

I take partial responsibility for the size of Maureen's type. I should have enlarged it before I pasted it in my blog post. However, I have heard the type is too small on my blog from a couple others. I will pass this on to IT. Thanks for speaking up! sjw

# G. Santos said on December 6, 2007 11:38 AM:

Love the ideas! Definitely agree with having hostess rewards and a Personal Accents website. Props to E. Rod for her feedback!

# Canadian IBO 2 said on December 6, 2007 1:59 PM:

I too love the ideas!  When you hold an in-home shopping event, and someone starts asking questions about the business, how do handle that question?  Do you address the question at that time, or set up an appointment for another time?

Let's hear from the IBOs out there. I'd like to know how you handle this, too! sjw

# Ben said on December 6, 2007 2:35 PM:

Susan, I have a suggestion about the price point for the Ghiradelli album. Can we have one that has a lower quantity so we can lower the price point? Maybe around $30?

Thanks

Do you mean it should be Ghirardelli at that price point or more like the Sweets and Treats one we had a few years ago? I will pass your info on to Marketing, but keep in mind, we are developing the updates for 2008 Program right now, so this may have to be considered for later in 2008 or in 2009. sjw

# CJ said on December 6, 2007 4:52 PM:

Canadian IBO 2,

My opinion-Maybe answer one or two questions, but it's probably obvious that that they are interested in the business, don't let that interest die. If possible, set up a time in the very near future to either get with them for a cup of coffee or together with their mate to share the business with them, but don't wait too long.

# Susan Julien-Willson said on December 6, 2007 6:25 PM:

Message from Maureen via sjw: I also forget to tell you about an "epiphany" I had while driving. (I am always thinking about this stuff). Anyway, in regards to Ribbon I feel when we send people to our personal site that they are very confused with what it's all about. Even when trying to explain it in person (which I've done a lot of in the past month), people literally say, "I still don't get it". So I have to actually take an album, pretend I'm the giver, hand it to them as the recipient, they flip through it, then they pick out what they want. Then the lightbulb turns on! Ping! When I am doing an event, I have created a very brief "step by step" of how it works. I have that in a pop up stand to catch people's attention, then they start to ask questions. But how does anyone understand when there is very, very little explanation on our site. I have never had a purchase on my Ribbon site from a prospective customer. I have only done sales face to face with Ribbon or re orders on my site. Now maybe that's just me and if people are actually getting sales by just sending people to their Ribbon sites without having to explain it, I'd love to know how/what they're doing. So here's my suggestion, stick with me here. Beef up the explanation somewhere on the home page of the personal sites. Maybe list steps 1-5 or whatever. People understand in "steps". Walk them through a visual... we are all visual creatures. Then in the middle of the homepage put something like "Let's get started" or "Need help" or something catchy for them to click on. Once they click on it, it takes them to a questionairre. First question is, "who are you shopping for?" They can click on "Husband, wife, mom, dad, sibling, teen, expectant mother, wedding couple, boss, etc" or keep it simple to "male, female", then the next question could be "What age?" to narrow down who. maybe add an "occassion" question... baby shower, anniversary, wedding, birthday, etc. Then the last question could be "How much do you want to spend?" Have $25-50, $50-$75, $75-$100, $100-$200, and so on. Then after they have answered those question, it pops up the recommended albums for their gift giving ocassion. Since we have albums for every one and every occassion... something will always pop up. I think that would be a super easy solution to people not only understanding how it works, but with their recommendations right there. They can look through each album, what it offers, and choose which one to purchase. I'm sure I'm missing a lot of neccessary information... but these are all just raw thoughts right now. What do you think? Could you pass this onto the appropriate people/departments? I just know with where we're headed and all the changes/transitions happening, suggestions from "the field" are probably highly sought after right now. So thanks for listening...

# Ben said on December 6, 2007 6:55 PM:

I think either would work, but if you keep it a name brand like Ghiradelli that would be better. Thanks again!

# E.Rod. said on December 6, 2007 9:51 PM:

Thanks Susan. I think that giving IBOs to choose to activate both their personal Personal Accents website and also to have the option to add the product line to our beauty site would be great. As for how we sell Ribbon - people either get it or they don't. Most people say "that's such a great idea" but they won't buy because it's foreign to them. Ribbon takes a lot of explaining. If ur doing B2B, it takes a lot of preparation and building of relationships before closing the sale. One thing that we've done is display actual product from a matching catalog (e.g. baby uggs from the arrival album). This gives them something they can touch/feel/smell. A simple one liner is to give people the "gift of choice." As for folks who want to know more about the biz opp, we do set up a separate appt. to get together with them and show them the biz plan. hope this helps folks. One more thing about the personal websites - it would be great if we could actually have more leeway to 'personalize' them -besides choosing a picture or two or clicking on which product lines to feature. how about the ability to feature our own specials, highlight our own biz name, track visitors and have the ability to send them a followup email that links back to the site with our ibo code already embedded and gives them the opp to "send to a friend" to drive more traffic. alot of this conversation is happening on the code review blog but wanted to bring here too so that other know to chime in. i think the more of us that ask for these type of choices, the more it will influence the decision-makers. thnx for listening.

Thanks for commenting. Please keep sharing ideas and suggestions! sjw

# CJ said on December 10, 2007 5:43 PM:

Susan,

I'd like to comment on the letter from Maureen above and I agree. I've mentioned on this blog before that for us as IBOs the program makes sense, but for someone just coming to the site cold or just reading any of the marketing materials, it really does not explain at all how the program works-it almost forces us as the IBO to explain it before it is purchased which would kill other businesses in the gift market. I just had a B2B presentation  today and they way I explain it is (A) One chooses how much they want to spend (B) Find an gift card/album in that range (C) Give that album/gift card. The next difficult part is that you have a visual to explain the program-there's no other way in my opinion and not just the catalog of gifts. Luckily I had another clients "live" Variety Gift pkg to show and tell. I had the gift card catalog and I had to give them the guy gift album set that I gave my dad back for father's day. Along with the customized price lists and the dowloadable overview, it worked out just fine. What I would like to see and get feedback on is (1) possibly allowing IBOs to purchase "sample" only Ribbons for any of the different versions we have that would include not just the album (as we can buy now) but the gift card, carrier, and the black envelope. Right now, the only way to do that is to buy one, use it, and give as a sample which is the purpose of the live Variety card we get with the Ribbon Pack, but that shouldn't be that way after that. To me that would be unfair for the IBO to have to buy a live one just to give away a sample one. The second thing I'd like feedback on is(2)A way to customize the ribbon program for bulk orders. The meeting I had today was with a company that has over 150 locations in over 20 states with each location having anywhere from 100-1000 clients that they would like to give gifts to. The would like a way to customize it to have their business logo or something on it. Outside of them putting a big sticker on the outside of the envelope It would be nice if the gift cards (if ordered in a large bulk number) could have the logo and name of the company on the album, envelope, and the gift card. If a company buys 100 or more, it's very difficult for them to write on the carrier a message. Many companies are doing it now as far as customizing their gift cards for their corporate buyers. I remember in Ribbon's earlier incarnations, if the company purchased $500 or more, then it would come with customized parchment, but with the new program that doesn't have the same zing. To piggy back on Maureen's email, I've had purchases on my ribbon website, but that was only because I had explained it to them beforehand and they went and bought without my knowledge. Could you please pass on my (1) and (2) suggestions? Thanks again Susan for this platform-I think it is absolutely fantastic!

Thank you, CJ. I do pass on your comments and we're pretty excited about giving IBOs more of what they need in the next program. We can't do everything right away but we are working on a few more B2B tools for you. Also, right before Achievers, we had two videos created on Ribbon. One is B2C-Mom and daughter and grandaughter; the other is B2C and rewarding employees for going the extra mile. They're so fab, we decided we want to put them on a presentation CD for the next program. But hey, I am probably letting out a big secret. Well, I'll ask for forgiveness later. They are so good, I had tears in my eyes. They're like those touching Hallmark-type commercials ... and then they explain how the gift collection works ... even show you how to redeem online. Is that cool or what? I pass on all your comments so keep 'em coming. We're working on samples in the next program for you. No worries. To get the latest news on Ribbon, be sure to sign up for the Ribbon Retailer at Quixtar.com. It's a quarterly newsletter to help you sell Ribbon ... and let you know what other IBOs are doing to sell Ribbon.  So glad you like Sales Speak. I just LOVE "talking" with all of you -- I've learned so much! sjw

# Gene said on December 10, 2007 6:35 PM:

Susan,

Thanks for keeping an open mind on IBO comments... I know many probably feel the same way, but it is hard to put out what may "seem" like criticizm, for fear it is taken wrong....  I have to say as I have read the commets from other IBOs here, I have to DITTO what is being said. We NEED a personalized website for the personal accents items.  I also think the Ribbon program is confusing on the personalized website.  One comment, is that when someone goes to the personalized site, it is a bit confusing as to where to go to shop... I have had more than one personal think that there were only 3 catalogs because not much is shown when you click the start shopping link.  the tabs at the top for "variety" and "specialty" do not stand out enough to make everyone hit them.  there are some useability issue I have had with the site, but I posted that over on code review.

I do think we need more hand out type stuff that is printable about the features and benefits of the various lines, Ribbon, personal accents, Artistry, Nutrilite, etc. and of course PLEASE MAKE THEM EASY TO FIND ON THE WEB SITE.

:)

it seems that not everything has made it to the product support page, so figured I would blast that out again!

thanks for listening Susan!

Gene

G-We want to hear your comments ... good and bad and lukewarm. Okay? They're all valid and worthwhile. We can't "fix" everything overnight, but as you can see from IT's Code Review, we are working to improve Quixtar.com and the personalized sites for you. I pass comments along and I know for a fact that many of the marketers are reading the OZ blogs, so keep the comments coming!

Could you elaborate a bit more on how the current Ribbon Personalized website is confusing? This will help us as we work on developing new tools online for you. Also, do you use the tools available through Quixtar Brand Support such as stationery and biz cards?

We do have a Ribbon Presentation Flier available online. It's in the Resource Center under Retailing Support for Ribbon. Have you checked it out? We also have a CD presentation available.

Thank you for being a part of this business and participating in Sales Speak. By offering your suggestions and ideas, you can and will make a difference in the transformation of this business. sjw

 

# Maureen said on December 10, 2007 9:54 PM:

Hey Susan!

I loved the sweets & treats album... was that the one with different coffee baskets and other goodies?  That was so great... it would be a hit now since coffee is so HUGE!  Now with all of our great coffee and tea flavors we could really play on that and get that out to people.  

Also, what about a kids album, not for babies or for teens, but in between there.  Incorporating toys and clothes for boys and girls would be perfect.  Just a thought!  Thanks!

We have something coming for 5 to 10 year olds in the next program. Watch for it in Spring 2008! Thanks again, Maureen for all your ideas! I am passing them on to the Ribbon Brand Managers. sjw

# CJ said on December 11, 2007 1:10 AM:

E.Rod,

I feel you on your earlier comment. I think for folks to get a good appreciation of what the gift albums convey, especially for the Variety one, I will need to actually order one of the most popular gifts in it such as the digital camera so I can show folks how it looks and vice versa. I've also made some of the same comments on the code review blog as well-if we the IBOs provide the High Touch to the High Tech aspect of Quixtar, the IBO retail websites are far from High Touch as it pertains to us being able to somewhat customize the site and put our business name, business phone number, and business email to contact us. Right now the IBO retail websites border along the lines (to someone just stumbling in to the sites)a fake website in that there is no way you can "see" who owns the site. All everyone sees is a template response form with no no contact information to the IBO whatsoever-Susan is there sometype of legal issue preventing us from putting our contact information on the IBO websites?

That's a good question. I will check into it and let you know, CJ.

# CJ said on December 11, 2007 12:08 PM:

Good Morning Susan!

You have me very excited about the new presentation CD for Ribbon-can't wait until 2008 with the added videos, but as always I have another question: Why is this presentation being limited to a CD format? Is it possible for it to be in DVD format as well? I have the same question for the B2B Video we have on CD which seems like it may no longer be available. Thanks for your responses to my other inquiries. I know that nothing can be done right away but it is good to know that we are being heard.

BTW, is it possible to have those videos added to the Ribbon Personal websites??? Figured I'd ask and give it the ol college try-LOL!

Thanks again!

CJ

You're full of great ideas, CJ. Like I said, time and money prevents us from moving on some of your suggestions, but some seem do-able and are bound to happen. Yes, get excited about the 2008 Program. It's definitely going to deliver on some of the ideas expressed here at Sales Speak and via Ribbon Retailer and IBO events. Thanks! sjw

 

# Bridgett said on December 12, 2007 1:17 AM:

The more info--VISUALS--we can put over the Internet (example: those Hallmark videos) rather than relying on CDs and DVDs, the better.

Please put VISUAL explanations of how the Ribbon program works on our website(s).

Clicking on links I email someone is much quicker (and appears less of a hassle) than popping in a CD or or a DVD.

AND, using the Internet allows them to research on THEIR time, and THEIR convenience, rather than sit with me during a presentation.

Yes, face time is extremely important. And when you are going after big B2B clients, it's a must. But I'm talking about the small business owner and the B2C potential for the Ribbons that we are letting fall through the cracks because of the time and energy it takes to explain the darn program! :-)

According to the DISC personality program you referred to on a different thread Susan, 35% of people are Steady. And Steady personality types want EASY and FAMILIAR.

We lose a 1/3 of the population 'cause we don't have the tools to explain how easy and familiar the Ribbon program is.

VISUALS on our website(s) to explain exactly what I (and Maureen) do in person—walking through the decision process, the giving of the album, the choosing of the gift, and the receiving of the gift—would be helpful.

VIDEOS, or PHOTOS, or CARTOONS even, something VISUAL and *appealing* to the eye on our website(s) is show ALL the potential uses and ALL the potential receivers of the albums would be swell.

I enjoy words. But we are dealing with a world that is moving at 100mph. One picture is worth a thousand words. One picture takes seconds to look at. A thousand words take the average person 10 minutes to read.

Our visuals are so lame, it’s embarrassing.

If it’s visually appealing are we afraid that it won’t appear “professional”? Must everything look so “corporate” and serious? Ug.

I mean, look at the choices for the FRONT PAGE of the Ribbon personal websites. I either get an aerial view of the top of two guys’ heads shaking hands while awkwardly sitting in uncomfortable chairs

OR

A shot of some chick on a cell phone with a cardboard box full of bubble wrap.

Huh?

Thanks, Bridgett. Sharing your comments with brand managers, IT, and the Communications team that works on Ribbon. Visual is great ... I agree, and I am a writer. But to quote a fave heartache song of mine, "There's so much more to life than words." I often wonder if I wrote editorials and sales materials in my very casual, conversational style ... and the images reflected that style, if the response would be more favorable. I take it you agree. I never want to offend anyone, but I sure don't want to alienate either. So, Bridgett, Maureen, Gene, E., Ben, and everyone ... what do you think? Are our materials for Ribbon, Personal Accents, Choices, Store for More, Artistry, and Nutrilite too stuffy and corporate? What do you think your customers would respond to? I will write a post on this later today or tomorrow, so get ready to respond. We need to hear what you think! sjw

# CJ said on December 12, 2007 11:36 AM:

Yes, Yes, Yes!!!! I think Simply Nutrilite is somewhat hitting the head on the nail with the cartoons. Not that we need cartoons for Ribbon, but good and engaging visual representation is the key. I'm all for the websites having videos and pictures which I think is a must for us to compete, but I also think the DVD is an important back up tool as well-it doesn't hurt and heck can't cost that much to produce seeing that we pay no more than $5 for the artistry DVDs which are excellent in showing someone. One thing that gets my goat is that I see other low level or not as big direct sales businesses that utilize video on their individual distributors websites, but as big and as powerful Quixtar is it takes forever for them to get on the bandwagon of change so that we can compete in this new digital age-we've got to do better-heck even flash animation on the front of the personal websites would be a step in the right direction. We all see Quixtar is moving in the right direction, it just seems like Quixtar should be setting the trends in direct selling and business, not just following them. Great entry Bridgett and thanks again Susan for the opportunity!

 

# Maureen said on December 12, 2007 2:59 PM:

Hey Susan!

Can't wait to see the post on this topic.  I've got some thoughts!  :)

Anyway, off the topic... has anyone seen the "ad" in the past 2 WYW's with the different gift bags?  It's the "Still Searching for that Special Gift" ad on page 20 of this month's issue.  Anyway, to my point... is there anyway for us to get those bags?  It would be so nice to be able to hand deliver Ribbon or Personal Accents products in their coordinating bags.  Either I go out and purchase gift bags (which I just am not a fan of going to stores if I don't have to) or I am delivering items in Artistry/Nutrilite bags.  Can I offer this as a suggestion?  That would be GREAT!

Thanks!

Maureen, I am SO GLAD you love the gift bags in the WYW ad. We created them in imaging by putting the logos on plain gift bags. Pretty cool. And I was hoping someone would say just what you did. We should have gift bags with our brands on them ...  Ribbon, Personal Accents, etc. So ... yes! I will pass this on. Good idea. If we do them, they'll probably be something offered through Quixtar Brand Support in Partner Stores. Definitely would be a classy way to hand-deliver products to customers or to give out samples or gifts.

Okay, you don't like the way Ribbon looks? Do you mean the web stuff or the Gift Collections, Sales Kit, Steps Brochure, etc? It's too elegant and stuffy? Is that what you mean? Tell us more!

Thanks for the compliments on the Simply Nutrilite promotions. I will pass those comments on to the team, too!  sjw

# Maureen said on December 12, 2007 3:59 PM:

CJ - you are right on.  As soon as I think of attention grabbing and cutting edge marketing... I think of Simply Nutrilite!  How amazing is this whole marketing campaign?  The Rocket Monkey, the cartoons, Gabby Reece?  Love it.  

Now I believe that Artistry should stay like it is... soft, sexy, beautiful ads... that's how woman want to feel, look, and be treated - so those ads speak to a woman when she sees it.  I say stick with that avenue.  

Nutrilite with "Team Nutrilite" is also heading in their correct direction, hard core athletes using hard core nutrition.  And I loved this last issue of the personal accents catalog, I thought it's been the best so far.  

But Ribbon definitely needs a face lift.  Too cold, too stiff and too corporate, I say.  I LOVE the ideas of having flash animation, videos, clips, etc on all of our sites.  I mean, how HUGE is YouTube right now?  People LOVE to watch videos.  Like I said before, we are visual creatures... visual is key!  

Susan those videos sound incredible, can't wait to see them... and I agree - having them posted on our sites would be huge.  It would explain the program better if people see an actual demonstration of "how, why, when, who, where" sort of thing.  Put it in their terms... have them understand it that way.  I think that would be HUGE!  

Great ideas from everyone... this is so exciting!

PS - yay for the new gift book for the 5-10 year olds - that is great!

# E.Rod. said on December 12, 2007 5:44 PM:

Hi Susan,

This may divert from the conversation, but I have a concern about the # of backorders on the personal accents catalog and holiday store for more items. For example, one of the bracelets is on backorder until 12/21/07 and one of IBOs ordered this in November. One of the reasons why etoys originally went out of business was because their supply could not meet the demand. Now of course they're back in biz with a huge lesson learned, but I wanted to know what is being done to expedite the replenishment of these products. I have to look on the site constantly to find out what I need to tell people not to order. I don't want my reputation to be jeopardized because someone is expecting a gift before Christmas and it's an item that's backordered until January 2008.  Anyway we can fix this? On another note, we've had several signups for the biz in the last month or so and we noticed that the welcome package from Quixtar now doesn't include the Choices or SFM catalogs. These used to be sent to all IBOs. Any reason why these were removed from the package? Some folks still would prefer to go through a catalog right away rather than have to find a computer to see the selection of products. Sometimes theh catalogs present the products in such a better light - for example, the pictures of the jewelry in the Personal Accents catalog blow away the images found on the website. Including the catalogs in their welcome packet also encourages them to place their first order sooner rather than later. I know this is what happened to me. I was so excited to immediately show and tell people about my products by just handing over a catalog. Any chance that this can come back? Otherwise, we're expecting new IBOs to purchase packets of catalogs before they even see them (unless of course an upline provides them which we've had to do.) Thanks again for listening.

E. Rod-I will check into the catalog situation with the Welcome Pack. I believe the new IBO does get a Choices Catalog, but it may not arrive with the Welcome Pack. Every active IBO gets a Choices Catalog.

Backorders. Constant concern with buyers, marketers, forecasting, customer suppport, and all of us at corp. because it affects YOU and your CUSTOMERS. It's something we try hard to avoid but sometimes circumstances beyond our control with manufacturers, transit, etc. cause delays that cause backorders. I am with you ... I get so frustrated when I try to order something and it's on back order. I can't say we can correct the problem 100%. but be assured, we are aware and working diligently to reduce back orders. I apologize for the inconvenience to you and your customers.

Glad you like the photos in the Personal Accents Catalog. That is a stunning catalog, isn't it?

I will pass your comments on!  May your backorders be light (or not at all) and your customers filled with delight! sjw

# e.rod. said on February 7, 2008 3:17 PM:

Susan, Not sure if folks know but Personal Accents has been added as a product option on our Beauty Zone websites. Just go back and edit your personal website and click on it as an option and you're jewelry and perfume line is now available. Perhaps it's all the dialogue that has happened here that made an impact? Thanks so much!

Thank you! Your comments on this blog have made a difference and I hope you feel as good about it as I do. You're helping us shape the future! sjw

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